You're Never Too Old

Now You See Them, Or Maybe You Don't

ST. LOUIS - Who says braces are just for kids? Certainly not the estimated 1 million adults in the United States and Canada who have chosen orthodontic treatment as the route to better oral health and emotional well-being.

According to the American Association of Orthodontists, which has its headquarters in St. Louis, there are about 5 million U.S. and Canadian orthodontic patients; of that number, the AAO estimates that one out of five of these patients are over the age of 18.

Which means you probably know an adult who is wearing braces - but doesn't necessarily mean you know they are. For instance, actress Mary Stuart Masterson, who has starred in films including "Chances Are," "Fried Green Tomatoes" and "Bad Girls," chose to undergo treatment via lingual braces, which are attached to the backs of the teeth and, therefore, are less visible.

Though lingual braces aren't for everybody - they don't solve all orthodontic problems, and they generally prolong treatment time somewhat - they represent one of the treatment options now available to adults considering braces.

Behind the scenes

Masterson isn't the only celebrity who has benefited from orthodontics. Braces have helped shape other famous faces, including Cher, basketball star David Robinson, and golf great Hale Irwin, all of whom underwent orthodontic treatment as adults.

But, whether in the glare of the cameras or just everyday people conscious of their appearance, many adults who decide to take the plunge and opt for braces find the only real challenge with treatment is working regular visits to the orthodontist into a busy schedule. As is the case with younger patients, successful completion of treatment for adults involves cooperating with the orthodontist's instructions. And, because of their extensive training and knowledge, orthodontists can select cost-effective methods and materials for correcting individual problems.

"Teeth can be moved at any age," says Dr. Numa W. Cobb Jr., an AAO spokesman and orthodontist practicing in Greensboro, N.C. "Adults understand the investment in a beautiful and healthy smile. And, since they're generally footing the bill for treatment - often with the assistance of their employers' dental coverage - they're more likely to keep their braces clean, as well as wear elastics and retainers as instructed."

Less metal

Adults are discovering that today's high-tech materials are light-years away from the "metal mouth" look they may have been familiar with as teenagers. Some recent innovations include clear or tooth-colored brackets and the sophisticated engineering of the tooth-moving wires, which has increased their tensile strength and flexibility. As a result, treatment times may be reduced in some cases, meaning less time spent in braces.

Dr. Cobb emphasizes, however, that adult patients may choose to flaunt their orthodontic treatment, taking the attitude of "if you've gotta have 'em - you might as well flaunt 'em." Some adults have chosen gold-colored braces and wires to coordinate with their jewelry and other fashion accessories.

What's more, today's retainers also come in patterns and colors other than the traditional roof-of-the-mouth pink. So, even a mild-mannered executive could, unbeknownst to most observers, be sporting a wild paisley or plaid - or the crest of an alma mater - behind that great smile that's soon to be good for life.

From the American Association of Orthodontists